Peach tree named &#39;Krista&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 
     1. Vigorous, upright growth of tree.
 
2. Regular and productive bearer of large size fruit.
 
3. Fruit with an attractive dark red skin color.
 
4. Fruit with firm, yellow flesh.
 
5. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

Prunus persica

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Krista’

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

1. Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuing plant-breeding program including the organization and asexual reproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against this background of our activities that the present variety of peach tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

2. Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of peach and nectarine trees, which are known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Super Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,578), ‘Super Zee’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,874), the proprietary non-patented peach selections ‘54ZH822’, ‘170LX160’, ‘37ZD298’, ‘196LT268’ and ‘211LK116’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica) was developed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. from a first generation cross between the proprietary non-patented peach selections with the field identification numbers ‘54ZH822’ and ‘170LX160’. The seed parent (54ZH822) peach non-patented originated from a cross between our proprietary non-patented peach selection ‘37ZD298’ and ‘Super Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,578). The non-patented peach pollen parent (170LX160) originated from a cross between our proprietary non-patented peach selections ‘196LT268’ and ‘211LK116’. A large number of these first generation peach seedlings were planted and maintained on their own root systems, during which time we recognized the desirable tree and fruit characteristics of the present seedling and selected it in 2011 for additional asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 2011 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of peach tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, California, and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established and transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica) is of large size, vigorous, upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of large, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with good flavor and eating quality. The fruit is further characterized by having an attractive dark red skin color and having good handling and shipping quality. In comparison to its non-patented proprietary peach seed parent ‘54ZH822’ the fruit of the new variety is larger in size and is approximately 17 days earlier in maturity. In comparison to its non-patented proprietary peach pollen parent ‘170LX160’ the fruit of the new variety is larger in size and is approximately 32 days earlier in maturity. In comparison to its ancestor ‘Super Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,578) the fruit of the new variety is larger in size. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘Super Zee’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,874) the fruit of the new variety is larger in size and is approximately 8 days later in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimens of the foliage and fruit of the present new peach variety. The illustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, an exterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its suture plane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shipping ripe) from a 3 year old tree and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety of peach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of 3 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color in accordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and             width for economical harvesting of fruit. Size varies with             different cultural practices.         -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 to 2 meters the first growing             season. Varies slightly with soil type, fertility of soil             and climatic conditions.         -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.         -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 35°,             increases with heavy crop load.         -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit             necessary for desired marketable size. Fruit set varies with             climatic conditions during bloom time.         -   Bearer.—Regular, has had adequate fruit set 2 consecutive             years. No alternate bearing observed.         -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.         -   Density.—Medium dense, pruning to vase shape desirable for             sunlight penetration to center of tree to enhance fruit             color and health of fruit wood.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of             California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter             chilling requirement approximately 500 hours at or below 45°             F. -   Trunk:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average circumference 40.7 cm at 22.9 cm above             ground on a 3 year old tree.         -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.         -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.         -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 3/2 to 2.5Y 4/2. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 12.7 cm at 1.2 meters             above ground. Crotch angle approximately 35°, increases with             heavy crop load.         -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth             medium rough, roughness increases with age.         -   Lenticels.—Average number 28 in a 25.8 square cm area.             Average length 4.0 mm. Average width 1.8 mm. Color varies             from 10YR 6/10 to 10YR 5/8.         -   Color.—New growth varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 5/6. Mature             growth varies from 10YR 3/4 to 2.5Y 3/4, varies with age of             growth. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 166.6 mm. Average width 48.8 mm.         -   Form.—Lanceolate.         -   Apex.—Acuminate.         -   Base.—Cuneate.         -   Margin.—Serrate.         -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight             indentation over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface             relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib             and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces             glabrous.         -   Petiole.—Average length 11.3 mm. Average width 2.0 mm.             Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous. Color varies             from 5GY 5/8 to 5GY 4/8.         -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — large. Average length             1.7 mm. Average diameter 1.1 mm. Number varies from 3 to 6,             average number 4. Located primarily on the base of the leaf             blade and the upper portion of the petiole. Color varies             from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 6/6.         -   Stipules.—Average number 2. Average length 12.5 mm. Edges —             pectinate. Color varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 5/8.         -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 4/4 to 5GY 3/6. Lower             surface varies from 5GY 4/4 to 5GY 4/6. Midvein color varies             from 2.5GY 7/8 to 5GY 7/8. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 20.0 mm. Average diameter 10.2             mm.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.         -   Density.—Medium dense.         -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated just before opening.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 3.8 mm. Average width 1.3 mm. Color             varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 6/6. Surface — glabrous.         -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 8/6 to 5RP 7/10. -   Flowers:     -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 6, 2014. Date of             Petal Fall Feb. 16, 2014, varies slightly with climatic             conditions.         -   Size.—Large, showy. Average height 20.4 mm. Average diameter             41.8 mm.         -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Petal             apex — rounded. Petal base — acuminate. Size — large.             Average length 19.6 mm. Average width 18.3 mm. Form —             orbicular. Arrangement — overlapping. Margin — sinuate.             Color varies from 5RP 8/4 to 5RP 8/6, fades with age of             flower.         -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —             large. Average length 5.6 mm. Average width 5.5 mm. Shape —             ovate. Apex — rounded to triangular. Margin — entire. Upper             surface glabrous, lower surface pubescent. Color — upper             surface varies from 5GY 5/6 to 2.5R 3/6. Lower surface             varies from 2.5R 2/4 to 5R 2/4.         -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 45. Average filament             length 15.0 mm. On average, the stamens are above the height             of the petals. Filament color N 9.5/ (white). Anther color             varies from 7.5R 4/12 to 5Y 8/8.         -   Pollen.—Self fertile. Color varies from 2.5Y 7/12 to 5Y             7/12.         -   Pistil.—Number — normally one. Average length 15.1 mm.             Position of stigma an average of 2.6 mm below anthers.             Surface — pubescent. Color varies from 10Y 8/6 to 10Y 7/6.         -   Fragrance.—Moderate.         -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 8/4 to 7.5RP 8/4.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 3.8 mm. Average width 1.4 mm. Color             varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/6. Surface glabrous.         -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Normally one. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready for             consumption.         -   Date of first picking.—May 3, 2014.         -   Date of last picking.—May 13, 2014, varies slightly with             climatic conditions.         -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 61.9 mm. Average             transversely in suture plane 72.8 mm. Average weight 201.6             grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of             thinning and climatic conditions.         -   Form.—Globose.         -   Suture.—Slightly lipped.         -   Ventral surface.—Very slightly lipped.         -   Apex.—Retuse.         -   Base.—Retuse.         -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.             Average depth 7.6 mm. Average diameter 7.4 mm. -   Stem:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 7.4 mm. Average diameter 3.8             mm.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5GY 5/8 to 5GY 5/8. -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.         -   Texture.—Firm, meaty, crisp.         -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.         -   Firmness.—Firm, comparable to other commercial varieties.         -   Aroma.—Heavy.         -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.         -   Eating quality.—Good.         -   Flavor.—Good.         -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.         -   Acidity.—Not available.         -   Brix.—Average Brix 9.9°, varies slightly with amount of             fruit per tree and climatic conditions.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 8/6 to 5R 5/8.         -   Pit cavity.—Average length 33.0 mm. Average width 26.0 mm.             Average depth 14.0 mm. Color varies from 5Y 7/8 to 2.5Y             7/10. -   Skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface.—Smooth.         -   Pubescence.—Moderate amount, short in length.         -   Tendency to crack.—None.         -   Color.—Ground color varies from 7.5YR 6/8 to 5YR 6/8.             Overspread with 7.5R 3/6 to 5R 3/8.         -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.         -   Astringency.—Undetected. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone, strong adherence to flesh.         -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 32.0 mm. Average width             25.0 mm. Average thickness 24.0 mm.         -   Form.—Ovoid.         -   Base.—Flat.         -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 0.7 mm.         -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from round to             elongated.         -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from suture             plane.         -   Ridges.—Small, narrow ridge extending from base toward apex.         -   Tendency to split.—Slight to none.         -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 7/6 to 2.5Y 8/6 when dry. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length. 15.5 mm. Average width             10.7 mm. Average depth 6.7 mm.         -   Form.—Ovoid.         -   Viability.—Non-viable, incomplete embryo development.         -   Skin color.—Varies from 5Y 9/4 to 5Y 8.5/4. -   Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance. -   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage for 3 weeks at 38°     to 42° F. without internal breakdown or appreciable loss of flavor. -   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or bruising of     flesh during picking, packing and shipping trials. -   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing     for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been     designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and     harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions     near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance     or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection     observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal     fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and     eliminated from our breeding program. No atypical     resistances/susceptibilities have been noted under normal cultural     practices. The present new variety of peach tree, its flowers,     foliage and fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to     climate, soil conditions and cultural practices under which the     variety may be grown. The present description is that of the variety     grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Modesto,     Calif. 

1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, (Prunus persica) substantially as illustrated and described. 